January Hearing Set for Ex-Independence Teacher

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) - Authorities will make their case next month for trying a suburban Kansas City band teacher on charges of having sexual contact with a 14-year-old student, sometimes at school.

During a court appearance Tuesday, a judge set a Jan. 30 preliminary hearing date for 27-year-old James N. Owens. He is free on bond after being charged last month with one count each of child enticement and child molestation.